3 MARCH 2010
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LABOUR HIT OUT AT BROKEN PROMISE ON RESPITE CARE

Local Labour politicians Elaine Murray MSP and Russell Brown MP have said it is “disgraceful” that the amount of respite care available in Dumfries and Galloway has reduced over the last year.

Respite care in the region has reduced from a total of 2,320 weeks in 2007/08 to 1,980 in 2008/09 – a reduction of 14.65%.

This decrease in the amount of respite care in the region is despite the fact the SNP had a manifesto promise to carers across Scotland to provide an additional 10,000 weeks of respite care per year.

The figures across Scotland have risen by 1,150 leading to claims this is just another example of how Dumfries and Galloway is the “forgotten region”.

Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray said: “Once again the SNP have broken a promise and once again Dumfries and Galloway bears the brunt of their failure.

“Across Scotland an increase of 1150 weeks is modest compared to their pledge of 10,000 but in our region we’re actually going backwards. A reduction of 15% in respite care is a huge amount in a single year. We need concerted action from the SNP Government and the Tory Council to stop this before it gets even worse. If they value this vital service they will ensure we reverse this worrying decline.

“I am particularly concerned about the services provided to disabled children and young people and it disgraceful these have been cut.”

Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown added: “I’ve lost count of the number of broken promises littering the SNP’s period in Government.

“Dumfries and Galloway is the forgotten region. Respite care is vital to the well-being of our unsung heroes of the care system who look after loved ones, friends and neighbours. The SNP promised to help them but instead we’ve seen the amount of respite care in our region slashed in just a year.”

ENDS

CONTACT – ANDREW MACKENZIE 07769206856

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Link to latest statistics on Shared Care Scotland website:

http://www.sharedcarescotland.com/news/index3.php

2. Respite care is a service intended to benefit a carer and the person he or she cares for by providing a short break from caring tasks. The break is made possible through alternative care arrangements. This indicator only concerns respite care provided or purchased by the Council, or by voluntary organisations funded for this purpose by the Council.

Respite care breaks may last a few hours or a few weeks and may or may not be repeated at regular intervals. The duration of the service episode must allow the carer a break from caring tasks.

3. SNP Manifesto p39

“We will start to improve the provision of respite care by providing sufficient resources for an additional 10,000 respite weeks per year, either at home or in a care setting.  By 2011 carers in greatest need will have a guaranteed annual entitlement to breaks from caring.”

4. SNP Press Release 17.7.2008

Extra breaks for carers

Increased support for carers will include an additional 10,000 respite weeks, it was announced today.

Scottish carers will now receive more help to protect their own health and wellbeing, and the person they are caring for.

Local authorities will develop and allocate extra short breaks in their areas dependant on local need, so meeting the requirements of local people and giving priority to those most in need.

Later this summer, new national guidance will also be published to improve local planning of short breaks.

Health Minister Shona Robison said:

"It is of great importance that we support those who selflessly give their time to support a loved one.

"As we see Scotland's demographic change and people living longer, this becomes an even greater issue with the role of carers very much at the fore.

"We need to ensure that carers do not neglect their own health and are able to take short breaks when they need them.

"By providing carers with more opportunities for 'me-time', whether it is for simple things like housework or for holidays and hobbies, we can help people to continue successfully in their caring role, while looking after their own health.

"Short breaks are most effective for both the carer and the person being cared for, when they match individual needs. One size does not fit all - this is why local authorities will be working closely with service users and carers to deliver personalised respite packages and also help those in the greatest need."

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government announced funding to strengthen support services for carers and improve the way care is delivered.

Over the next three years, an additional £9 million pounds is being provided to NHS Boards across Scotland to bolster the implementation of Carer Information Strategies.

Carers benefit from local information on caring and support, and closer working care partnerships with NHS staff. NHS staff are also be given training on how to support full-time carers.

The Scottish Government's historic Concordat with local government sets out our commitment to deliver 10,000 extra respite weeks a year by 2011. This includes:

2,000 extra respite weeks in 2008-09

6,000 extra respite weeks in 2009-10

10,000 weeks in 2010-11

£2.9 million pounds funding for NHS Carer Information Strategies was announced in February 2008. This includes 1 million pounds for 2008-09, £3 million is planned for 2009-10 and £5 million for 2010-11.